I think I may have tried on 400 bikinis this past month. (You can go ahead and imagine how much fun that was for me.) Although my annual swimsuit shopping extravaganza usually involves a few online purchases and lots of crossed fingers, this year I decided I was going to get serious about finding the perfect bikini. This meant I spent a lot of time trying on swimsuits in stores, as well as in my bedroom. You guys, I looked everywhere – specialty swim shops like Everything But Water, department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, and online retailers like Shopbop, and I tried a huge range of price points ranging from $30 to $200 a suit.
Well, I’m here to tell you that being expensive doesn’t guarantee a good fit or look. In fact, my favorite swimsuits this season were from Madewell, and yep, Old Navy. You all, Old Navy suits average around 30 bucks and they are fantastic! So much more flattering on me than suits 4 times the price. Here are the three I bought for this summer, and I think the grand total with promotions was about $120. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Ruched Bikini in Electric Ikat, Madewell.
Fuchsia String Bikini, Old Navy
Black Ruffled String Bikini, Old Navy
What’s your go-to brand for swimsuits?
Cass
June 24, 2014 at 8:41 amI wholeheartedly agree about Old Navy bikinis. I love a good triangle string bikini – but I am very itty bitty on top and most of the triangle suits have little to no support. So then I just look like a 10 year old boy. But the Old Navy string tops have a little bit of padding so then I at least look like a 12 year old girl:)
natalie
June 24, 2014 at 1:04 pmMy suits are Victoria’s Secret and Roxy, with a few vintage J Crew ones that have lasted for years. For as much time as I spend at the beach, I really should man up and get a few more bikinis. I’m keeping my eye out for promotions from Maaji, Athleta and L*Space.
Were there any Athleta suits included in the 200 you tried on? I have been meaning to give one of those a test run.
Stacey
June 24, 2014 at 1:35 pmI’m totally on board with Old Navy suits! That’s where I bought my one-piece for this summer. It’s super flattering to my post-baby body, nice balconette style and was under $25!
Lori
June 24, 2014 at 1:55 pmLand’s End! Their suits last longer than ANY I have ever found.
Heather D.
June 25, 2014 at 12:57 pmThis year I found an adorable bikini top at Athleta, but the bottoms were so so. I ended up with cute inexpensive bottoms at Target. I will have to give Old Navy a shot.
Jen Campisano
June 25, 2014 at 9:18 pmI posted about this exact same dilemma at the start of our summer here in Phoenix (ahttp://www.boobyandthebeast.com/2014/04/swimsuit-season.html), and I agree — Old Navy suits are great this year! I tried Athleta, but found the bottoms entirely too skimpy. I didn’t even know Madewell did suits. I’ll have to look there next year. Thanks!
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